Visiting Bouar, CAR

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I frequently visit the Central African Republic (CAR) to foster the companion relationship between the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the CAR (ELC-CAR). Despite the political turmoil, civil conflict and political instability, I cannot find a good excuse for not visiting my companions, friends, brothers, and sisters in the faith. CAR is rich in natural resources and a beautiful country but ravaged by repeated military coups and successive violent civil conflicts.

During my travel and encounters with the Central African peoples, I discovered another story which would probably not make the headline news. They are stories of those village girls and boys, who defy all logic to stay alive, educate themselves, protect themselves against HIV infection, and also find creative ways to spread their joy, love and hope where there is no hope.

These stories often cannot be told. They are resurrection stories. They are our stories. They are simply life giving stories of people living in poverty and despair but who still find reasons to hope and smile. They have to be learnt, discovered, and experienced. Through pictures, I attempt to share a glimpse of the wonders of these places and the smiles of these peoples.

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Photos

Young boys
Keep smiling

young girl , Bouar
People of Bouar

Motherwood
Young mother in a Fulani village

Hopeful future
Smile of a young boy of Baboua

Fulani woman
Young mother in a Fulani village

Bouar: perspective
Tom\'s contemplation

Small village in Bouar
Another part of Bouar

ELC-CAR Headquarters
ELC-CAR compound in Bouar

Lutheran Church in Bouar
New Lutheran church dedicated on 2/20/2008

Bouar city center
Vestige of a French colonial era

Bouar City
Old theater

EEL/RCA Women Center
A nice place to stay in Bouar

Adm. of the colonial power
Building used by the French

South of Bouar City
Near the open market and business sector

Comments

[nola storm]

thanks louis
Louis, It is wonderful to see the photos, and to see your family, they are all beautiful!!!!! (oops, don't tell your sone he's beautiful, tell him he's handsome!) I concur, that the Church in CAR is dynamic, and hopeful. I was so blessed to worship in the midst of it all. I was and am so blessed to remember what true worship is. I felt the power of the prayers of the people that carried us to CAR and safely through and back home. I knew that God who has started a good work in us would carry us. I know that the prayers of our companions in CAR carry us daily. I pray that we can learn to believe the power of prayer as our BRothers and Sisters have learned and believed. God continue to bless you and your family. I look forward to more photos and updates on our West African family. I can't wait to show my Liberian and Sierra Leonian friends the blog photos. THanks Louis, your Sis, Nola Storm

[ilario]

superb
Merci pour ces belles photos :) http://www.yerhotel.com/Milano/ilario

[LOD215]

Thank you. You made my day...